Antonio is 69 and has had Parkinson’s disease for several years. He also suffered a stroke 10 years ago and is being cared for at home by his wife Maria. At the moment, he is at The Hills Private Hospital undergoing a rehabilitation program and is doing daily exercises to improve his mobility so that he can walk again.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that alters a person’s perception of reality and disturbs thoughts, emotions and behaviour. It is highly misunderstood and stigmatised, yet it is a common illness. About 1 in 100 Australians have schizophrenia (Healthdirect Australia, 2020). Based on current population statistics for Baulkham Hills-Hawkesbury, an estimated 2,277 people in our community are affected by this illness. It’s likely that you know a friend, neighbour or colleague living with schizophrenia.

Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognise your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.